Jessica & Patrick
Things To Do
Finger Lakes Wine Country
This region is famous for its wineries along the Finger Lakes. Closest to Rochester is the Canandaigua Wine Trail however the wineries along Seneca, Cayuga and Keuka Lakes are amazing options if you have the time. Locals often do wine tours and hit many wineries back to back. Check out the link to plan your stops!
Erie Canal
The Erie Canal was built in the 1820s and connects Lake Erie in Buffalo to the Hudson River in Albany. While no longer used for trade, this is an amazing place for a walk, run or bike ride while you're in town. There are many parking areas and villages located along the canal! In the nice weather you can rent SUP's or kayaks from Fairport, or go on a historical tour leaving from Pittsford.
Schoen Place
Located in the village of Pittsford, this area has some nice shopping, restaurants and Lock 32 Brewery. It is a great spot to hangout and explore the Erie Canal! If interested check out the link for boat tours of the Erie Canal.
Lake Ontario
Check out Lake Ontario by stopping at Ontario Beach Park for a walk along the beach and pier, dinner at some outdoor restaurants such as Scooner's or Pelican's Nest, or maybe an ice cream cone from Abbott's Custard (a Rochester specialty). If the weather is nice, this area is packed with locals getting outside and enjoying being near the water. (Megan Shober can tell you that you can't actually see Canada from this side of the lake.)
Niagara Falls
Only a 90 min drive west on the I-90 thruway, the Niagara Falls and famous Maid of the Mist tour awaits!
Genesee Brew House
Home of Genesee Beer, this is an awesome restaurant and brewery local to Rochester. It's located near the High Falls downtown. Stop in to have a drink in the tasting room, at the bar, or sit down to eat. We would recommend a reservation or expect long wait times as this is such a popular destination for locals and visitors!
Aurora Brewing Company
Brewery located half a mile up the road from the Hilton Garden Inn, right along the Erie Canal. They only serve snack foods, but have great ambiance for a drink!
New York Beer Project
Located in Victor near the Eastview Mall, a great place for dinner and drinks! Make sure to call ahead or plan to hang out on the outdoor patio while you wait because it is a community favorite!
Seneca Park Zoo
Check out Rochester's zoo!
The Strong National Museum of Play
Nationally recognized children's museum in downtown Rochester!
Eastview Mall
Very close to the Hampton Inn Hotel, this mall and the surrounding shopping plazas will have anything you could want!
Letchworth State Park
Located about an hour south of Rochester, Letchworth State Park is known as "the Grand Canyon of the East." There are lots of day hiking opportunities along the gorge, and its great option to get outdoors and see the great waterfalls of the Genesee River.